END OF THE LINE

With injuries mounting, Rockets win streak ends at 14

With injuries mounting, Rockets win streak ends at 14
James Harden's big game was not enough for the depleted Rockets. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

With 8 games in 13 days and injuries mounting, the Houston Rockets’ winning streak ended at 14 after surrendering a loss Wednesday night to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Much like Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz, the visiting Lakers led throughout the majority of the game, due largely in part to a career high 38 points from rookie Kyle Kuzma. Former Rocket Corey Brewer followed in scoring with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Fellow rookie Lonzo Ball added 16 points and 9 rebounds.

The game remained close largely in part due to James Harden’s 30 point first half. But unlike most every other game during the winning streak, the now-expected scoring outburst never materialized. It could be a result of mounting injuries, as starting center Clint Capela was out for the game, and starting point guard Chris Paul left with a left abductor strain.

Harden finished the game with 51 points and 9 assists. Eric Gordon contributed 21 from the bench. Trevor Ariza added 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals.

The 14-game winning streak win streak ends as the fourth largest in franchise history. Harden’s 51-point outing marks the second time this season scoring more than 50, and extends his season-long streak of scoring 20 or more points to 30 consecutive games.

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It's time to seriously question the Astros' front office. Photos via Getty Images, ESPN IG.

The Astros have officially entered a new era, but it’s hard to spin Alex Bregman’s exit as anything but a gut punch. Bregman, a cornerstone of Houston’s championship core, is gone — and the Astros' strategy (or lack thereof) is front and center. The questions are mounting fast, and the answers don’t inspire confidence.

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about refusing to pay players. It’s about how the Astros are willing to pay them. Jim Crane’s approach has become increasingly rigid — no deals with high annual values and opt-outs, but also no long-term contracts for $160+ million. Essentially, Crane is looking for a Goldilocks zone in modern baseball that no longer exists. Good luck winning another World Series with that strategy and a depleted farm system.

If Crane’s blueprint is to focus on cheap positions (first base, closer) or short-term deals with aging veterans past their prime, this team could be in serious trouble. We’ve seen it before with Correa. He could’ve been retained on a shorter-term contract (3-years, $105 million), but Crane’s pride — and his refusal to engage with Scott Boras on deals that include opt-outs — kept the Astros out of the conversation.

Dana Brown publicly called Bregman a top priority. Clearly, that wasn’t true for Crane. Brown’s reaction to the Bregman news felt more like a man at a funeral than an optimistic GM on the opening day of spring training for pitchers and catchers. He wouldn’t even comment on the deal.

Crane’s strategy already backfiring

The Astros locked up Rafael Montero and José Abreu to questionable contracts that now feel like self-inflicted wounds. Would Crane have let Bregman walk if not for those deals? If that’s the case, Houston just sacrificed its long-term core for short-term bets that didn't pay off.

And get ready — Framber Valdez is probably next. When his contract comes up, don’t expect him to stick around.

Leadership void

Losing Bregman isn’t just about stats. It’s about leadership, swagger, and presence. Players like Jeremy Peña, Chas McCormick, and Isaac Paredes aren’t exactly striking fear into opponents. Correa, Bregman, and Kyle Tucker? Entirely different story.

A missed opportunity

Imagine choosing between Josh Hader’s deal (5-years, $95 million) or what Bregman just signed for (3-years, $120 million). I would take Bregman all day. When Hader signed last season, we were fine with it as long as it didn't preclude the club from trying to extend Bregman and/or Tucker.

But here we are one year later with Tucker, Bregman, and Ryan Pressly playing for new teams. And Pressly was better than Hader in 2024 despite dealing with a role change.

For now, the most exciting things about the 2025 Astros are the short porch in left field — which might make Paredes look good again — and the weak AL West.

So, get your season tickets now!

This is one video you don't want to miss as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros examines all the ramifications from Alex Bregman's Astros departure, and much more!

Spring training is up and running. Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.

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